SpaceX plans 1 million orbital satellites for AI data centers, FCC filing reveals
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 01, 2026, 15:38 IST
In an audacious leap towards the future, SpaceX is gearing up to deploy a network of one million satellites, transforming our skies into future-forward orbital AI data centers. Powered by the sun, these satellites promise enhanced efficiency while minimizing our carbon footprint. This visionary venture will utilize the robust capabilities of SpaceX's Starship rocket.
Elon Musk's SpaceX has filed with the Federal Communications Commission to launch a constellation of up to 1 million satellites designed to power AI data centers in orbit using solar energy. This move comes as SpaceX and Musk's xAI are reportedly preparing for a significant public offering this year, potentially merging to accelerate SpaceX's orbital data center ambitions amidst a competitive AI landscape.
The proposed satellite constellation aims to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the immense power demands of artificial intelligence. Data centers are fundamental to AI operations and require substantial energy.
"By directly harnessing near-constant solar power with little operating or maintenance costs, these satellites will achieve transformative cost and energy efficiency while significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with terrestrial data centers," the FCC filing stated. SpaceX requires regulatory approval from the telecom commission to proceed with this plan.
While deploying a million satellites is a substantial undertaking, exceeding the current 15,000 satellites in orbit, satellite operators often seek approval for larger numbers than intended to maintain design flexibility. SpaceX previously requested approval for 42,000 Starlink satellites before commencing deployment. The current Starlink network comprises approximately 9,500 satellites.
This ambitious request is contingent on the reduced costs associated with SpaceX's next-generation reusable rocket, Starship. The development of Starship is crucial for expanding the Starlink constellation with more advanced satellites.
"Fortunately, the development of fully reusable launch vehicles like Starship that can deploy millions of tons of mass per year to orbit when launching at rate, means on-orbit processing capacity can reach unprecedented scale and speed compared to terrestrial buildouts, with significantly reduced environmental impact," SpaceX indicated.
Starship has undergone 11 test launches since 2023. Musk anticipates that the rocket will successfully deliver its first payloads into orbit this year, a critical milestone for the expansion of Starlink.
The proposed satellite constellation aims to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution for the immense power demands of artificial intelligence. Data centers are fundamental to AI operations and require substantial energy.
"By directly harnessing near-constant solar power with little operating or maintenance costs, these satellites will achieve transformative cost and energy efficiency while significantly reducing the environmental impact associated with terrestrial data centers," the FCC filing stated. SpaceX requires regulatory approval from the telecom commission to proceed with this plan.
While deploying a million satellites is a substantial undertaking, exceeding the current 15,000 satellites in orbit, satellite operators often seek approval for larger numbers than intended to maintain design flexibility. SpaceX previously requested approval for 42,000 Starlink satellites before commencing deployment. The current Starlink network comprises approximately 9,500 satellites.
This ambitious request is contingent on the reduced costs associated with SpaceX's next-generation reusable rocket, Starship. The development of Starship is crucial for expanding the Starlink constellation with more advanced satellites.
"Fortunately, the development of fully reusable launch vehicles like Starship that can deploy millions of tons of mass per year to orbit when launching at rate, means on-orbit processing capacity can reach unprecedented scale and speed compared to terrestrial buildouts, with significantly reduced environmental impact," SpaceX indicated.
Starship has undergone 11 test launches since 2023. Musk anticipates that the rocket will successfully deliver its first payloads into orbit this year, a critical milestone for the expansion of Starlink.